Dean USA MAB Red Flame!

[gaxeman]

Hey guys! I'm the idiot that sold my lazer last year.

Been kind of keeping an eye out for one recently, they are hard to come by. So I started thinking about the USA model, in part because of Michaels stated preference for the pickups (if I understood correctly, the Baker Act and HWS). I've only seen natural flame, there's one that's been on ebay a while at 1,500, have seriously been thinking if it's around a couple more months I might want it.

But then just now spotted this one:

www.ebay.com/itm/DEAN-USA-MAB-Trans-Red-5A-Flame-Top-Orig-Floyd-Rose-EMG-Pickups-RARE-COLOR-/181119349757?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a2b8df3fd

Also attached a pic. Red flame USA MAB, with EMGs!? Anyone ever seen one of these? I noticed no sig, all the natural USA's I've seen had sig like something out of 50. Is this red one a legitimate Dean, or is it possible someone refinished it? Any info appreciated, thanks.

Attachments:

[gaxeman]

Just wanted to add, forgot to mention that I HAVE also seen the black flame USA, as well as the natural, but never any other color. Curious if this one is one of a kind (which might justify the steep price), or if there is a new model, and possibly others, that I haven't heard of yet.

[BKW]

May 2, 2013 3:21:24 GMT -6 gaxeman said:

Hey guys! I'm the idiot that sold my lazer last year.

Been kind of keeping an eye out for one recently, they are hard to come by. So I started thinking about the USA model, in part because of Michaels stated preference for the pickups (if I understood correctly, the Baker Act and HWS). I've only seen natural flame, there's one that's been on ebay a while at 1,500, have seriously been thinking if it's around a couple more months I might want it.

But then just now spotted this one:

www.ebay.com/itm/DEAN-USA-MAB-Trans-Red-5A-Flame-Top-Orig-Floyd-Rose-EMG-Pickups-RARE-COLOR-/181119349757?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a2b8df3fd

Also attached a pic. Red flame USA MAB, with EMGs!? Anyone ever seen one of these? I noticed no sig, all the natural USA's I've seen had sig like something out of 50. Is this red one a legitimate Dean, or is it possible someone refinished it? Any info appreciated, thanks.

I know that the natural gloss ones were limited to 50 (and are hand signed and numbered by MAB). They are actually going for more than the one red one you are looking at. and these where the ones offered with the passive pickups

www.gearhounds.com/dean-michael-angelo-batio-usa-mab-natural.aspx

The red is legit. In fact, they come in Trans Black, Trans Red & Trans Blue. (I have yet to see a blue one). Most are made when a dealer requests one. And yes, they come with EMG's stock.
Based on the Serial number, the one above was built in 2011.

That said, it is going for around $500 more than a trans black

You can see more detailed specs on the Dean website at: www.deanguitars.com/mab_series.php and look under the "USA BATIO MAB"

Not sure if a dealer could order one with passives (it would probably up the cost somewhat) if you ordered one made special. You could expect a wait time of a few months on a custom order.

If you are interested, let me know and I can recommend a couple of stores who could order one for you.



I'd love to see one in Blue!

[gaxeman]

Hey thanks for the info! Didn't know red or blue were available, you're right, I'd want to see blue also. So the natural were limited to a one-time run of 50, but the black/red/blue option have no such limit, can be ordered any time? Would there be any data available as to how many of these exist right now? I'm guessing less than 50.

Have you or anyone else here ever directly compared the USA's and the imports (armor flame, aviator, lazer). I've basically found (such as with Jackson) that with USA's you pay a lot more for a little better, guess it depends on how bad you want a little better, eh?

Sorry for all the questions! I'm actually have my finger on the trigger of buying the lazer that's been on amazon for a while at 800, but don't want to make another mistake. Whatever I get, seems like something comes along the next day that I want more! (works with guitars, girls too - but with them you can't stuff the old ones in the closet to play with later)

[BKW]

May 2, 2013 15:59:38 GMT -6 gaxeman said:

Hey thanks for the info! Didn't know red or blue were available, you're right, I'd want to see blue also. So the natural were limited to a one-time run of 50, but the black/red/blue option have no such limit, can be ordered any time? Would there be any data available as to how many of these exist right now? I'm guessing less than 50.

Have you or anyone else here ever directly compared the USA's and the imports (armor flame, aviator, lazer). I've basically found (such as with Jackson) that with USA's you pay a lot more for a little better, guess it depends on how bad you want a little better, eh?

Sorry for all the questions! I'm actually have my finger on the trigger of buying the lazer that's been on amazon for a while at 800, but don't want to make another mistake. Whatever I get, seems like something comes along the next day that I want more! (works with guitars, girls too - but with them you can't stuff the old ones in the closet to play with later)

I have played both USA & Imports (I own an MAB 1) but have played all of the others. The MAB1 & Lazer are identical (except for the lazer etching). MAB2 has passive pickups. All of them where made in Korea and are Very well made and all have top level electronics, & parts (tuners, bridge, etc).

The USA MAB GLOSS NATURAL has some things that make it very unique. not only are the pickups made with wood bobbins... but the "Baker Act" is different than any others. We refer to it as an "Enhanced Baker Act" as it has Ceramic pickups vrs the standard A5's

The build quality on the USA's is amazing, but I love my Korean MAB1.

As for the number of USA's made so far... no way of knowing unless staff at Dean HQ has kept track and then would tell us.

[Shredini]

Wow that natural gloss on ebay is a freaking steal! Way under MAP.

[gaxeman]

FYI - That red flame USA MAB on ebay just dropped his price by over 1,000 dollars! (just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in) Under 1,400 now. The natural USA MAB is also at 1,400. I can't vouch for the sellers but they look legit. Use your own discretion.

I've had continuous gas for over two years, can't get ahead on bills before some other too-good-to-pass-on deal comes along. Somebody snag them USA's, I'm dying here!

[Shredini]

I feel you axeman. I probably would have bought the Red flame but saw your post too late. Even though I'm gunnin' for a trans black, that price was unbelievable!